Numismatics Solely for Pleasure
I do part-time substitute teaching here in The United States. I do have some shredded currency, that I obtained from our Federal Government. I also have a lot of coinage and metals from the British Mint, as well as the U.S. Mint. I prefer to purchase, or invest, with sovereign mints like the British Mint, as well as our U.S. Mint. I'd like to share more my love of Numismatics with my students, but I'm not sure how to approach this. Having inherited a small collection from one of my grandparents, collecting is a close thing to my heart, as well as a passion. While I do enjoy other things, I have often tried to turn coin collecting into a profession. However, at this point I prefer to keep it a hobby, as the dynamics of professional numismatics leaves me frustrated and downtrodden, due especially to the gossip and egomania that can go on in the profession. Thus, I might be dubbed the Lone Ranger of Collecting and Numismatics, at least when it comes to sharing with my fellow collectors, especially in my home state.
Comments
slybluenote
Level 5
First of all, welcome to our group. I also am not a teacher, but I did present classes to other members of the military while serving. It’s required if you’re a NCO. I’m also a collector vice seller. I have given away some coins to the neighbor kids. I also resemble ALL of the above remarks!
Long Beard
Level 5
Two ways of approaching this come to mind. Simply pick a history topic the students may be interested in and provide a coin or two that relates. Or you could carry one around and nonchalantly leave it out where someone might see it and inquire. Something odd like an obsolete U,S. series or perhaps a British crown.
Rebelfire76
Level 4
I personally have enjoyed the learning experience when it comes to numismatics. Even at a coin show the other week, I found myself educating other collectors about pieces they were looking for. And to such end, the gentleman was appreciative and found what he initially had mistaken for the wrong year/mint. I was just happy to help. As with most I’ve interacted with, to include my local coin shop/dealer, educating each other and those we interact with outside of numismatic channels about numismatics is part of the joy of collecting. Even if we aren’t the one to sell some of the things we’ve obtained, to me it’s just part of enjoying the hobby, and sharing the history, the why we collect, what we collect, and enjoying learning something new.
Kevin Leab
Level 4
I collect coins for personal enjoyment 100%. I've learned from personal experience that turning a profit with your own collection is nearly impossible. I wouldn't know the first thing about selling professionally. Back years ago, before eBay and online stores, I sold quite a few completed sets and didn't get near what I had into them. The only place to buy and sell anything was at your local coin shop.....we had 1 to choose from.
Mike
Level 7
I'm not a teacher. This I know. I was speaking to Sam Beliefs he's in charge of the education department. We discussed this awhile ago. He said you are. Every time you research a coin and history you in fact are educating those who read your blogs. It does make sense. My coins will go to my family. Take care and Welcome!! Mike
Mike
Level 7
Welcome to the ANA. I was talking to Sam. He's the head of education and helping the kids. I never taught. I told him this. He said every time someone does research and history on a coin we in fact become educators in a sense when we write the blog about a certain coin. I guess that's a way of looking at it. I don't sell my coins they will be left to my two sons. Take care and I hope.you enjoy it here! Mike
Kepi
Level 6
I haven't had much luck with selling coinage... I definitely belong on the collectors side of the room... haha ; )
Longstrider
Level 6
Nice to meet you. Welcome. I have learned my a few times over about trying to turn a quick profit. Just collect what catches your eye and you will always be happy. Good luck.
coinsbygary
Level 5
If numismatics is a passion, you will find some way to share it. Though I don't teach as a profession, I teach adult Sunday school classes at my church. I have had numerous opportunities to use numismatics in my classes, especially where I can relate numismatics to history. For instance, with Juneteenth coming, I might use my 1838 anti-slavery hard times token to talk about Harriet Tubman's faith. Coins can also relate to things like math and art. As for dealers, I am first and foremost a collector. When I buy a coin, I don't typically flip it for profit. I don't have the mind and heart of a dealer but a collector. That said, I don't begrudge an honest dealer a fair living from numismatics. You will always find good fellowship here from collectors like yourself through the ANA. It's not hard to share your passion with like-minded people who will share theirs!